Backpack Accessory to Improve Ventilation and Comfort

ABSTRACT

A system to hold a backpack away from a user’s back, comprising a rigid frame contoured to rest on a user’s back, configured to be coupled to a backpack and to hold the backpack spaced apart from the user’s back; a flexible mesh material coupled to the frame that rests on the user’s back and distributes the backpack’s weight over the surface of the back; a protective neoprene cover encasing the frame; and upper and lower attachment components configured to removably attach the backpack to the system.

This application claims the benefit of provisional application 63230708 entitled filed Aug. 7, 2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Carrying a backpack on a user’s back can entail a number of undesirable aspects. Among these are pain developing in back, poor posture developing from heavy and/or extended use, buildup of heat and sweat on the back, objects packed in the backpack digging into the user's back, and the like. It is desirable to mitigate these and other undesirable aspects of backpacking.

SUMMARY

A system to hold a backpack away from a user’s back, comprising a rigid frame contoured to rest on a user’s back, configured to be coupled to a backpack and to hold the backpack spaced apart from the user’s back; a flexible mesh material coupled to the frame that rests on the user’s back and distributes the backpack’s weight over the surface of the back; a protective neoprene cover encasing the frame; and upper and lower attachment components configured to removably attach the backpack to the system.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate disclosed embodiments and/or aspects and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention, the scope of which is determined by the claims.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of certain components of an example system.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are respectively a side view drawing and photograph of an example system coupled to a backpack.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of aspects of an example system.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are detailed views of the lower attachment mechanism, showing a buckle attaching an example system to a backpack.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and rear views of an example system including a removable hip belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions provided herein may have been simplified to illustrate aspects that are relevant for a clear understanding of the herein described systems and aspects, while eliminating, for the purpose of clarity, other aspects that may be found in typical devices and systems. Those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art may recognize that other elements and/or steps may be desirable and/or necessary to implement the systems and aspects described herein. Because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, a discussion of such elements and steps may not be provided herein. However, the present disclosure is deemed to inherently include all such elements, variations, and modifications to the described aspects that would be known to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.

The system disclosed herein performs the following functions to improve comfort while carrying a backpack. It produces ventilation and airflow between the backpack and the user’s back, thereby reducing heat and sweat buildup on the back. It more evenly distributes the weight of a backpack across the majority of the surface of the back. It prevents backpack contents from repeatedly rubbing on or digging into the back. And, it improves the user’s posture and back and shoulder ergonomics, and mitigates back strain.

The system reduces the weight of the backpack pressing against the cervical (neck) and lumbar regions of the back, and the upper trapezius muscles. In addition, the system improves posture and spine curvature. By shifting a backpack slightly away from the back, the backpack’s shoulder straps approach the shoulders more horizontally and gently pull the shoulders back. This pulling back on the shoulders along with the support and weight distribution provided by the frame and mesh, causes the back to straighten and improves posture, improves spinal load bearing ergonomics, and enhances comfort.

Thus, the system allows for both a horizontal and vertical distribution of weight and force. Carrying the backpack alone, the straps of the backpack push down on the shoulders, and its weight is borne primarily by the shoulders. In contrast when carried with the frame, the frame is loosely coupled/attached to the backpack, and that loose coupling allows for the weight of the backpack to be distributed in such a way that the backpack feels lighter. The straps of the system don't sit on the shoulders of the user. Instead, the frame takes the weight of the backpack off of the shoulders, and transfers it to surface of the back throughout the torso and hips of the user.

More particularly, the system transfers the weight of the backpack from the user’s shoulders to the frame and mesh, and provides for both a horizontal and vertical distribution of the weight across the surface of the back throughout the torso and hips. The frame is loosely secured to the backpack and provides for movement of the backpack within the frame when in use. The movement causes the contents of the backpack to settle within the frame, also causing the backpack’s weight to be more evenly distributed via the mesh across a larger area of the back and hips than the backpack alone. This causes the backpack carried in the frame to feel lighter than the backpack carried alone. Furthermore, the system causes the straps of the backpack to transfer at least some of the vertically downward gravitational force that presses upon the user’s shoulders due to the backpack, to a force that presses upon the user’s shoulders in a direction with a larger horizontal component and a smaller vertical component than the force due to the backpack alone. That force is conveyed through the frame and the mesh to the user’s hips and to the height and breadth of the user's back. Thereby, a portion of the vertical downward gravitational force is transferred from the user's shoulders to the user’s hips and back.

The system may further include a hip belt that shifts backpack weight from the back, shoulders, and spine to the hips and legs. Wearing a heavy backpack without such a hip belt or straps is known to cause stress on the back and spine, contributing to spinal compression back strain, and soft tissue formational impairment for young people.

Thus, the disclosed system pertains to backpack equipment and accessories. Described example embodiments and features provide a lightweight accessory that can be attached to a backpack to improve the backpacking experience for backpack wearers of all ages and across many types of usage, such as biking, hiking, student backpacks, and the like; as well as people who carry heavy loads and equipment, such as commercial landscaping services, construction workers, military backpacks, and the like.

The disclosed system is a “Backpack Spacer” that can make wearing a backpack more ergonomic, cooler, and more comfortable. Attaching to a backpack, and using an external frame and mesh, it provides significant separation of a backpack from the user’s back in order to increase airflow, minimize heat and sweat build up on the back, provide added comfort, and improve posture. The system also works to improve posture and back ergonomics. The curvature and size of the frame, and the configuration of the points where the backpack attaches to the frame, cause the weight of the backpack on the shoulders to be redirected from a generally downward direction caused by gravity, to a generally horizontal direction. This reduces the downward force on the spine and makes the backpack feel lighter.

The system has a spring steel frame and, stretched over it, a hexagonal (large hole), breathable, stretchable mesh fabric that lifts the backpack off the back. It is connected to the backpack through upper and lower attachment devices, consisting of straps and buckles. Two adjustable verticals straps connect the upper and lower sides of the system and support the backpack from moving towards the back of the wearer. They can also be adjusted through quick release (QR) buckles to change the arc and shape of the device.

The system also incorporates an add-on hip belt that transfers weight to the hips and legs, reducing the weight borne by the upper body including shoulders, back, and spine. Also made with the same breathable mesh fabric, when not in use it can be conveniently stored in the space formed between the user’s back and the backpack. This allows the hip straps to not dangle, which is inconvenient and clumsy looking.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example embodiment 100. Frame 110 is a rigid contiguous structure made of a tube or rod of spring steel, although other materials may alternatively be used. The frame 110 provides structure for the system. The frame 110 may comprise, but is not limited to, a metal rod or tubing, extruded plastic, bent wood, or the like. In embodiments, the size of the frame may be adjustable, such as by using parts that are slidingly coupled together and tightened with a clamp or a hand knob tightening screw or the like. So for example, the horizontal width of the frame may be adjusted to adapt to a particular user's back size.

Frame 110 supports a soft protective material 120 that covers the frame 110 and contacts the user’s back, lifting the backpack off their back. In embodiments, the protective material 120 may be or comprise neoprene foam or the like, and may enclose the frame 110.

The protective material 120 may also provide a basis for a mesh 130 to be attached to. In embodiments, the mesh may be a material with large hexagonal holes, sewn or otherwise coupled across the frame 110 to cradle the back of the user. The mesh 130 contacts and cradles the user’s back, distributing the weight of the backpack more evenly over the majority of the surface of the back. The mesh 130 also acts to dampen and soften the movement of the backpack on the back.

To attach the system to a backpack, an attachment system is used comprising lower and upper attachment components, each component comprising left and right assemblies. The lower assemblies each comprise an adjustable length loop 140 that passes through a respective lower quadrant eyelet 145. A strap 150 is coupled to the loop 140, and a side-release buckle 155 is coupled to the strap 150. In embodiments, a dominator buckle (not shown) may be coupled to the strap 150 to take up slack. In use, the side-release buckle 155 clamps onto and attaches to a lower webbing of the backpack.

The upper assemblies each comprise an adjustable length loop 160 passing through a respective upper quadrant eyelet 165. An upper strap 170 having two ends, is coupled at a first end to a part of a quick release (QR) buckle 175, and coupled at a second end to a complementary part of the QR buckle 175. The upper strap 170 engages the adjustable length loop 160 and an upper portion of a respective backpack shoulder strap.

A pair of vertical adjustable straps 180 with two ends, connect to the top of the frame 110 at a top end and to the bottom of the frame 110 at a bottom end, to provide support to the backpack and prevent it from shifting towards the user’s back in use. A buckle (not shown in FIG. 1 ) enables the strap 180 length to be adjustable. The buckle can be used to tighten strap 180 to modify the shape of the frame to adapt to a shape of the user’s back, and can be loosened to extend the straps so that a plurality of systems with frames 110 can be nested compactly. The upper strap 170 engages the adjustable length loop 160 and an upper portion of a respective backpack shoulder strap.

FIG. 2A is a side view of an example system coupled to a backpack, 200, shown in phantom. FIG. 2A illustrates an upper assembly coupled to an upper portion of the backpack shoulder strap, circle 210, and a lower assembly coupled to a lower portion of the backpack netting, circle 220. Also shown are a vertical strap 180 with adjustable buckle 230, and the mesh 130. FIG. 2B is a photograph showing a similar system coupled to a backpack in use.

FIG. 3 is a rear view 300 showing aspects of an example system. FIG. 3 shows the eyelets 310 in the protective cover 320, the vertical straps 330 with buckles 340 for adjusting their length, upper350 and lower 360 attachment assemblies, and the mesh 370 and frame (encased in protective cover 320.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are detailed views of the lower attachment mechanism being coupled to the lower part of the backpack straps, showing a buckle attaching an example system to a backpack.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front and rear views, respectively, of an example system 500 including a removable hip belt. The hip belt comprises fabric 510, mesh portions 520, and buckles 530 that allow the weight of a backpack to be borne by hips and legs. The hip belt can be removed and stashed behind the frame and conveniently stored there so it does not dangle and get in the way like backpack hip straps often do.

In embodiments, the system may be made in various sizes (e.g. Small, Medium, Large) to accommodate different size body shapes (i.e., different torso length and width) and different size backpacks.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is noted that the description and illustrations have been made by way of example only. Numerous changes in the details of construction, combination, and arrangement of parts and steps may be made. Accordingly, such changes are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure, the protected scope of which is defined by the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system to hold a backpack away from a user's back, comprising: a rigid frame contoured to rest on a user's back and configured to be coupled to a backpack and to hold the backpack spaced apart from the user’s back; a flexible mesh material coupled to the frame that rests on the user’s back; a protective covering encasing the frame; a lower attachment component configured to removably secure a bottom of the backpack to a bottom of the system; and an upper attachment component configured to removably secure a top of the backpack to a top of the system.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the rigid frame comprises one of spring steel or extruded plastic.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the rigid frame is continuous and unitary, and comprises one of a solid rod and a hollow tube.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the mesh material coupled to the frame is a large-holed hexagonal mesh.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the mesh material coupled to the frame is arranged to even out the weight distribution of the backpack across the user’s back, and to dampen the movement of the backpack on the user's back when in use.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured so that the top part of backpack straps make first contact with the top of the frame and push down on it, thereby transferring the downward gravitational force of the backpack from the shoulders to the frame and into the thoracic and lumbar region of the spine, reducing the force of the pack load on shoulders and upper back.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the protective covering encasing the frame comprises neoprene, the neoprene covering having elongated eyelets in its top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right quadrants for passing respective connecting straps through to be coupled to proximate parts of the backpack.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: left and right vertical straps attached to the top and bottom of the frame to support the backpack and prevent it from sagging; and a buckle coupled to each of the vertical straps configured so a length of the straps can be adjusted.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the adjustable straps can be tightened to modify the shape of the frame to adapt to a shape of the user’s back, and can be loosened to extend the straps so that a plurality of frames can be nested compactly.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the lower attachment component comprises two lower assemblies, each lower assembly comprising: an adjustable length loop passing through a respective lower quadrant eyelet; a side-release buckle coupled to the adjustable length loop; a strap coupled to the loop; and a dominator buckle coupled to the strap, and attaches to a lower webbing of the backpack.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the upper attachment component comprises two upper assemblies, each upper assembly comprising: an adjustable length loop passing through a respective upper quadrant eyelet; an upper strap having two ends, coupled at a first end to a part of a quick release (QR) buckle, and coupled at a second end to a complementary part of the QR buckle; wherein the upper strap engages the adjustable length loop and an upper portion of a respective backpack shoulder strap.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a respective telescoping coupling in the top and bottom of the frame between the right side of the frame and the left side of the frame, whereby a width of the frame is adjustable to adapt to different users’ back widths.
 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a hip belt coupled to the frame such that the weight of the backpack is transferred from the user's back and spine to the user’s hips and legs.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the hip belt is configured to be removed and stored in a space between the user’s back and the backpack.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the hip belt comprises: a long piece of fabric as a belt body having first and second ends, the belt body passing through openings in the bottom of the frame; left and right hip pieces adjustably coupled to the belt body; and a quick release (QR) buckle, one part of which is coupled to a first end of the belt body, and a cooperating part of which is coupled to a second end of the belt body; and a length adjusting buckle disposed on the belt body spaced apart from its ends, and configured to collect and hold a select length of the belt body and to adjust the amount held, to tighten and loosen the hip belt around the user’s hips; wherein the hip pieces have respective central portions comprising webbing.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein: the curvature and size of the frame work to improve posture and back ergonomics by shifting a backpack slightly away from the back, and the configuration of the points where the backpack attaches to the frame cause the backpack's shoulder straps to approach the shoulders horizontally and pull the shoulders back, causing the back to straighten and causing the weight of the backpack on the shoulders to be redirected from a generally downward direction to a generally horizontal direction which, along with the support and weight distribution provided by the frame and mesh, reduces the downward force on the spine, makes the backpack feel lighter, improves posture and spinal load bearing ergonomics, and enhances comfort.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein: the system transfers the weight of the backpack from the user’s shoulders to the frame and mesh, and provides for both a horizontal and vertical distribution of the weight across the surface of the back throughout the torso and hips; the frame is loosely secured to the backpack and provides for movement of the backpack within the frame when in use, the movement causing the contents of the backpack to settle within the frame, causing the backpack’s weight to be distributed via the mesh across a larger area of the back and hips than the backpack alone, thereby causing the backpack carried in the frame to feel lighter than the backpack carried alone; and the system causes the straps of the backpack to transfer at least some of a vertically downward gravitational force that presses upon the user’s shoulders due to the backpack, to a force that presses upon the user's shoulders in a direction with a larger horizontal component and a smaller vertical component than the force due to the backpack alone, through the frame and the mesh to the user’s hips and to the height and breadth of the user’s back, thereby transferring a portion of the vertical downward gravitational force from the user’s shoulders to the user’s back via the frame and mesh. 